The sixth annual Holiday Gift Boutique at the Massage Gallery, 1506 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 23, said organizer and company owner Michelle Silva.
Featuring the works of South Coast artists and crafters, as well as live music, the gift boutique also will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, with free public admission on all three days, Silva said. Raffles will be held each Saturday to benefit Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara.
The vendors for the first Saturday include: surf artist Laura Goe; Chris Melton, pastry chef and former owner of Mimosa Restaurant and now of Epicuran O, which makes jams, preserves, candies; Linda Davis of Humming Bead Jewelry, who remakes old pieces into fresh new jewelry designs; Annie Scott of Winky’s Whittles, which makes wooden peg dolls and bunting banners; Doreen Lobo-Wilfing, who makes jewelry; Vanessa Prince, who markets Nirium skin-care gift baskets; Jeannie Thomas of DuFont Kitchens, who makes gourmet biscotti; Martine DuPuch; who makes hand-painted silk scarves and wall hangings, beeswax candles from local hives and handmade jewelry; and Carla Harris, who makes calligraphy cards for all occasions.
What started as a one-day event six years ago, will occur on three weekends for the first time, she said. “After the first three years, artist Julia St. Morgan suggested we do it on two Saturdays,” Silva said. “This year, one of the customers suggested we have an early boutique to get early shopping and mailing done.” That means the series of gift boutiques will start before Hanukkah.
On all three Holiday Gift Boutique Saturdays, door prizes will be offered and a raffle will raise funds for the nonprofit Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, Silva said. The art work and crafts will be displayed outside and inside the Massage Gallery building.
About 16 artists and crafters have displayed their works at previous boutiques, but more are being sought this year because of the addition of the third Saturday, Silva said. Co-sponsors also are being sought this year. For more information, see www.themassagegallery.com.